But as Scotland begin the countdown to the eagerly-anticipated Euro 2016 qualifiers in September with a friendly against group rivals Poland in Warsaw tonight, Strachan claimed his stars were not in it for the loot.

The Scotland manager said: “I didn’t even know there was a bonus for the players.

“And you know what? I don’t think this new bonus would make any difference to the players in terms of their actual lifestyles.

“They want to qualify because it would add to their sense of wellbeing.

“They are not here for the money, that’s for sure. I don’t think I’ve ever heard one of these players even speaking about it. Bigger bonuses? For 90 per cent of them it wouldn’t make any difference whatsoever. OK, for someone like Andy Robertson, perhaps it might, yes!

“Back in the days when I was a player, the bonuses made a real difference. But it’s not like that any more.And I don’t believe it’s an issue for our players.”

“I can’t see either of us coming away with anything cosmic between now and the time we have to play them again”

Gordon Strachan

Dundee United full-back Robertson could make his debut against the Poles, but Strachan was playing it coy with his team selection.

A doubt remains over Darren Fletcher playing from the start after his lack of first-team action.

And Strachan has yet to name his keeper with Allan McGregor and David Marshall going head-to-head for the No 1 jersey.

Scotland will face Poland in the third game of the qualifiers with the tie set for Warsaw on October 12.

Strachan says nothing much should be read into this friendly result – even if Scotland win. He added: “The qualifiers are a long time away. Players could develop, new faces could get into their side or ours, so we’ll just play this game with the players who are here.

“I can’t see either of us coming away with anything cosmic between now and the time we have to play them again.”